Bassmaster’s signature event provided great story lines plus an exciting surprise finish.
Story by Matt Williams

When Bassmaster announced it was bringing the first “Texas only” Bassmaster Classic to Lake Conroe and Houston in March 2017, it sparked a whirlwind of chatter and huge waves of excitement among the state’s army of hardcore bass fishing fans.
Not only were they eager to see how pro bass fishing’s elite would approach one of East Texas’ powerhouse lunker lakes during the spring of the year, but they were also interested to see what they would catch, how they would go about reeling ’em in on one of the busiest recreational lakes in the South and who would ultimately walk away with the trophy in what many consider to be the sport’s premier event.
Bass fans were equally intrigued by the thought of afternoon weigh-ins being held at the Houston Astros’ Minute Maid Park, and how the 52 pros – bass rigs in tow – would go about navigating the busy Houston traffic to get there in timely fashion each day. There was also plenty of hype around the Classic Outdoor Expo held daily at the George R. Brown Convention Center, where manufacturers from around the globe would gather to showoff the latest in tackle, boats, apparel and other outdoor wares. At 300,000 square feet, it would be the largest expo venue in Bassmaster Classic history.